TUB-THUMPING Falcons chairman Dave Thompson has called on his players to boost the coffers of a North East soldiers’ charity by sending Wasps packing.

Newcastle boss Thompson has pledged a slice of gate receipts and 25% of a potential victory fund to the Fusiliers’ Aid Society, the charitable arm of the Second Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Northern Region.

The Falcons host Wasps tomorrow at Kingston Park in their final Anglo-Welsh Cup outing this term (3pm) as they gear up for next weekend’s Premiership resumption at Northampton.

Steve Bates has selected his strongest side in the competition yet as eyes turn towards that Premiership clash, but has still handed the likes of Rob Miller and Alex Walker another chance to impress.

He admitted he put the squeeze on the players in a bid to raise as much money for the charity that supports North East soldiers injured in battle and the families of those killed in action.

Thompson said he was proud to put the Falcons’ support behind the charity – and hopes more than ever for a stirring victory.

Wasps can still qualify for the semi-finals, so neither side will be taking it easy, with the Falcons players throwing their weight behind Thompson’s initiative.

The bullish Falcons chairman said: “The boys better be up for it, or they’ll get something up them!

“I’m not pressurising the players, you understand, but I have used some strong words about letting Wasps win.

“If Wasps win, there will be a few spittoons around the dressing room after the game!

“Collecting on Northumberland Street for the armed forces seemed a bit undignified to me. That’s where I spotted them and the idea snowballed from there. They put their lives on the line, and then to have to do that was not quite right.

“We’re giving a percentage of potential prize money too, so there’s no onus on the players there!

“They’ve got to get their bodies on the line and show what they’re good at.

“We’ll announce the total some time after the game, but setting expectations is wrong: we’ll raise as much as the Geordie public want us to raise, let’s put it like that.

“Let’s put the onus on the fans to come and show their support. I really hope they come out in force and get behind this supremely worthy cause.”

Bates said a pre-season trip to the Tyneside Marines base had a profound effect on his players.

Bates said: “We’re all hugely supportive of what they’re doing in very difficult circumstances.

“We were fortunate enough to go to the Marines base earlier in the year, and one of the soldiers that had seen active service came and spoke to us about what it was like in Afghanistan.

“We were all very moved and very humbled by what he was talking about.

“Dave’s gesture to donate some of the prize money has won support from every player – they understand the added significance that brings to going after the win.”